Movie Reviews

Impressions and additional disc details

Brian H. Stewart | Loveland, CO USA | 11/06/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Blues Traveler is one of the best touring Jam bands on the scene currently. The Red Rocks July 4th show is a yearly tradition spreading back over ten years and brings in travelers from all over the country and some from overseas to join in this unique yearly experience. Details released from the band indicate that the full concert will be included in this 2 disc set, the following songs were played the night of July 4, 2003:Carolina Blues> [06:23.25]
You Lost Me There> [05:11.71]
My Blessed Pain [06:40.27]
No Woman, No Cry* [08:58.25]
Save His Soul> [05:07.38]
Hook> [04:38.44]
The Star-Spangled Banner> [03:23.67]
Love & Greed [07:15.09]
All Hands [13:26.10]
Let Her & Let Go [03:41.41]
Crystal Flame> [05:11.06]
Pattern [07:00.00]
Support Your Local Emperor> [08:31.34]
This Ache [05:09.59]
Bagheera [07:46.23]
Eventually [04:38.33]
Slow Change> [07:53.26]
Unable To Get Free [05:26.50]
The Mountains Win Again [05:40.69]
Felicia [08:12.38]
Can't See Why> [04:14.58]
You Reach Me> [08:10.34]
Crash Burn [08:13.41]
E: Sweet & Broken [04:57.63]
Thinnest Of Air [03:36.31]
Brother John [10:33.25]*= Ziggy Marley guest on vocalsFilming was also done at a small acoustic set performed live at Denver's Twist and Shout records July 2, 2003 with John Popper and Chan Kinchla. This acoustic set included the songs Sweet and Broken, Carolina Blues, The Mountains Win Again, Let Her and Let Go, and, But Anyway. I am not aware of which tracks will make the DVD, but, I for one hope the inspired acoustic "train blues" of Carolina makes it onto the disc.The disc will also include an exclusive look at life on the road with the band members. Cameras followed the band capturing their life and thoughts. On the day of the show, long time friend of the band and namesake of the song "Gina" joined camera crews roving up and down the famous steps of Red Rocks amphitheater talking with fans and even getting a few snipits of singing and harmonica playing in the mid afternoon July heat.This first ever DVD release from Blues Traveler gives a great look at a concert and a band not to be missed."

Better than I thought possible...but still.

Malcolm | Los Angeles, US, Canada | 12/12/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I hated the last BT live release, and, really, I wasn't too fond of the one before that, but I'm in love with live videos and I really like this band's studio work, so I figured that maybe watching it would make it more enjoyable than listening to it.To my great surprise and delight, I was proven right and then some - almost all of the complaints I'd had with the previous releases are not at all present here, and the video is excellently shot and edited.The set list at this show is better than the other two releases, which helps. The mix of the instruments is much more open and less cacophonous than What You And I Have Been Through, which lets it actually sound like music, even the songs that are played exactly the same way. And, now that the new bassist and keyboardist have had time to integrate with the band, they've almost totally taken over - the keyboards fill most of the holes left by removing the multiple tracks in the studio, making many of the songs I previously thought shallow into masterpieces. Also, Chan seems to have improved at playing lead guitar - the jams here were much, much tighter and more energetic than before.There are only two remaining problems. One, actually, is the material from Bridge - somehow, all of these songs just completely fail live. They sound shallow, uninspired, and empty. It's an excellent album, one of my favorites, but it just doesn't work live at ALL. The other is Chan's inability to play rhythm guitar - almost always, when he isn't soloing, it sounds like there's no guitar at all. He might as well not be there, and it's a little distracting. The band is reduced to a bassline and a piano part plus vocals; they desperately need a rhythm guitarist.Thankfully, though, the new bassist and keyboardist are almost always up to the task, and this is, while not perfect, an excellent DVD and a worthwhile purchase."

Do yourself a favor and buy it!

Brian H. Stewart | 11/19/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Even if you consider yourself just a modest Blues Traveler fan, make sure you add this DVD to your collection. It is shot like a documentary, with behind-the-scenes footage peppered throughout the concert itself. It is shot widescreen format with incredible sounding 5.1 DTS surround. It's about time that BT came out with a DVD, but I was still stunned to see just how entertaining it truly is. The interviews are great, and the play list selection is impeccable. This DVD should appeal to all levels of BT fans."

Great Gig!

frenchf | Denver, CO | 10/22/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Although I cannot rate the DVD since it hasn't been released yet, I was at this wonderful Red Rocks gig. Hopefully they include Ziggy Marley and his performance of 'No Woman No Cry' with the band. Blues Traveler have been doing this Fourth of July Show for over 10 years at Red Rocks. Fireworks are included just behind the stage (which were actually fired off at Bandimere Speedway.)and shown fading in and out of the camera shots.
Really looking forward to its release, but wish Amazon could get more details before they post these things."